Hey readers!! How you all doing?! GUESS WHAT!!! I WANT MORE REVIEWS!!!!! I'm so sad at how this story is getting so little reviews… I know that this game don't have very good fan rate but still! Sort of just found out a little while ago LOL ^_^'! The same people review time and again and I LOVE you guys for that. Where is everyone else!!!! I know you are reading this! PLEASE REVIEW!! IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG!!! And don't say I don't know how! Its right there!! In green print! In a big box at the bottom of this very page!!! PLEASE!!! I BEG OF YOU'S!!! REVIEW!!! PLZ!!!!
THX Rosieroozoo for pre-reading and editing !!
--s2--
Ike woke up to find himself in a room filled with the colour green. Looking around he saw green walls, furniture, the bed covers he was under. The whole theme was lime green. The curtains were closed and they had a rose vine style on them.
'How did I get here…?' Ike wondered tiredly. The sun was up and shining through the curtains and in to light up the room. 'Skrimir, maybe… Mist might have asked him to.'
With a sigh Ike climbed out of the bed. He yawned as he scratched the back of his neck and grabbed his headband on the bed stand. Without bothering with fixing the bed covers he left the room and headed for the main hall; if he was able to find it.
Tying his headband around his head Ike saw Leonardo walking by. Ike called over to the archer and the blond stopped to see who it was. The blue haired swordsman strolled up the Leonardo quickly and asked if he knew where anyone was.
"Yeah, they're all outside." Leonardo told him. "Tibarn came back early and everyone is getting ready to head out."
"What!!" Ike's outburst scared Leonardo and the blond backed away two steps. "Tibarn came back?! When?!"
Leonardo smiled nervously. "Last night. In fact, he carried you in since you were asleep outside."
"I have to get my armour and Ragnell!" Ike exclaimed and started running back to the room he woke up in.
"They all ready have it outside for you!" Leonardo informed him. Ike stared at him and walked back with a look of shock on his face.
"Why didn't anyone wake me up?" Ike questioned flapping his arms up in wonder.
"You have a hard day yesterday. Everyone knew you needed to rest." Leonardo smiled and started walking forward down the thin hall way.
Ike walked just behind the blond. "Is there anything else that I should know?"
"Um…" Leonardo thought about it. "Naesala is here with raven Laguz; his tribe has been having kidnap troubles as well. Oh, and a message from Mist. She asked me to tell you that no matter what you say or do she is coming with us to save Ranulf if it's the last thing she does."
Ike chuckled a bit at that. "I wasn't even thinking of making her stay here. Yet, it would be the best thing. Who knows what will happen out there…" Ike paused, thinking of what could happen. "Ah well, what am I going to do? She'll just hop in a food supply package and hide in there in order to come if I try to make her stay here."
Leonardo laughed. "She's just like you."
Ike looked at Leonardo as they turned the corner. How he knew where they were going Ike would never know. "What do you mean?"
"You're both stubborn." Leonardo told him. "I can't see you hiding with the food supply, I don't think you would fit inside, but you would have the same idea."
Ike smirked. "I guess we are stubborn. But we are for a reason."
"Right, right…" Leonardo gave one last chuckle before heading outside. Ike didn't even ask how he got them out of the kingdom without getting lost.
Outside there were people walking around chatting to each other as they where packing food while others prepared their swords and bows. The sight was familiar and somehow comforting. It felt right. Sure they were about to split into a war once again, but the way everyone was brought together fighting side by side no matter what the cost was nice; relaxing in a way.
Tibarn flew up the stairs and greeted Ike and Leonardo. "We're just about ready." He told them. "We're just waiting for you Ike."
Ike nodded. "Let's go."
--s2--
Ike sat on Tibarn's back in his Hawk State with Soren behind him and Mist in front of him. Naesala, in his raven state, stood beside Tibarn with Edward, Sothe and Micaiah. Behind them, Zihark, Leonardo, Rhys and Skrimir where riding on ravens and a hawk. There was no way a raven was able to carry Skrimir. Other ravens and hawks where carrying boxes with the weapons and food. Reyson stood, in his transformed state as well, by Tibarn.
Tibarn called to his people. "Take off, brothers! Last one over the caves is a rotten egg!" He started flapping his large green wings and lifted up in the air. The others followed.
Once in the air Mist gazed back at Ike. "Couldn't we walk over to the cave first? Then Tibarn wouldn't have to fly such a far way."
"It's no problem." Tibarn said. "Besides we need to hurry if we want to get our fellow Laguz back. Walking would have taken about a day. While flying it only takes an hour or two."
"Won't you get tired?" Mist asked.
"We may be tired, but not too tried." Tibarn smirked even though no one could see.
Mist hummed in thought. Not wanting to harm Tibarn's pride she stayed quiet, besides, they where already in the air.
It was a quiet ride ever since take off. The sky was blue and sun was warm. To think that it was snowing just a few days ago. Spring was setting in. The trees below had a shine to them from the morning dew and the sunlight. It was a perfect day.
Just then Naesala flew by with a quick pace. They could hear Sothe call. "Race you there!" as they passed.
"You're on!" Tibarn called back. He flapped his wings hard and sped up to the Raven King. Ike laughed as he held on to Mist. Even Soren had a small smirk on his face. Behind them Reyson shook his head and stayed with the other Laguz.
Tibarn passed Naesala. "You're so slow!" Tibarn insulted with a smile.
"I'm just playing with you!" Naesala yelled as he passed Tibarn taking the lead again.
"Go Naesala go!" Micaiah and Edward cheered enjoying the race.
Tibarn and Naesala where flying next to each other trying to get ahead and cut the other off. The passengers yelled at their rivals telling them who was going to win. Soren didn't say anything, but found the playful fight quite interesting.
The Kankaku caves where just ahead and Tibarn finally got the lead. The two Laguz were pushing them-selves to the fullest while their passengers cheered them on. Naesala caught up quickly and Tibarn swayed upwards so he wouldn't crash into him. Ike could have sworn he heard Naesala chuckle.
It's the final cut, Tibarn was flying above Naesala and they where neck to neck fighting for the lead. They flew over the caves and all they had to do now was land. Tibarn, being higher up, he had the disadvantage according to Naesala. Tibarn thought about the next step. He thought of something that could work, but was unsure because of the people he was carrying.
"Hold on." Tibarn ordered with a smirk. He couldn't let Naesala win. He closed his wings and aloud gravity to take over. He dropped quickly with his beak facing the land below. Mist screeched and held tightly on Tibarn's feathers.
Tibarn passed Naesala. The Raven King was slightly thrown off by the sudden gust of wind that the great green hawk had made. Naesala flapped in the air to regain control and watched Tibarn as he headed down fast and smoothly towards the ground.
"What is he doing?" Sothe wondered out load.
"Is he hurt!?" Micaiah gasped.
Suddenly, Tibarn pulled out his wings right before hitting the dirt below and flapped his wings gently as he landed. Micaiah took a breath and smiled.
"That idiot," Naesala laughed. He soon landed a little ways away from the Hawk King.
"YAY, we won!" Mist yelled in happiness throwing he arms up in the air when Ike helped her down.
Soren hopped to the ground. "That was exciting." He admitted.
Ike agreed with a laugh. "We should do that on the way back."
Tibarn transformed back to his humanized state and chuckled. "They'll be ready for that move next time though."
"Then think up a new one." Ike responded still snickering from the fright of falling from the sky.
"HEY!" Edward ran up to the group and pointed at them. "That was a cheap move!"
"Cheap?" Tibarn repeated. "I didn't hear anything about having rules in the race, how could that be cheap?"
"I don't know, but it was!" Edward made a fist with the hand he was pointing with. "We'll win next time on the way back! You'll see!"
Mist laughed. "You're on!"
Naesala, Sothe and Micaiah all came up to the group. "Now what?" Naesala asked.
"The others won't be here for awhile." Sothe stated, holding Micaiah's hand.
"We'll wait here." Tibarn told them.
Soren walked over to a tree stump and took out a map from his white bag. He laid it down flat and looked at it. "I'll look for our next destination. You guys just relax for a bit." He pointed to the map on a forest area knowing that that was where they were; just west from the Miscere River.
Ike walked up to Soren away from the rest who were talking about the race they just had. He gazed over Soren's shoulder to see the map hoping he could find out what he was thinking about doing.
"Ike, go sit down and stop worrying." Soren ordered not looking up once from the map. Ike sat down beside Soren. The mage sighed. "I didn't mean right here."
"I can't help it Soren." Ike stared at the ground. "Ranulf is one of my best friends and he's been kidnapped. It would be the same way if you or Mist was taken away too." Ike was being careful with his words. He didn't want to accidentally tell Soren that he and Ranulf were together. Who knows what he would think of it, even if he was his very good and long time friend.
Soren stared at Ike for a moment. Ike didn't meet his gaze and that told Soren that something was up and not just the fact that Ranulf has been taken by Begnion. There was something that Ike was not telling him and he wanted to know what. It wasn't like Ike to keep secrets from him. Instead of forcing the question on him, Soren decided to leave it for a couple of days before he said anything. Maybe Ike is thinking about telling him, but just wasn't ready to just yet.
Ike finally looked at Soren in the eye, but soon turned away again. Ike knew that Soren was expecting something now. The look in his eyes told him so.
"Ike," Soren spoke. Ike once again made an effort to look at Soren and this time stayed that way. "We'll get him back, as well as all the other Laguz that have been taken. Don't worry so much, you'll make yourself sick."
Ike stared at the ground again. As much as he wanted to say otherwise, Soren was right; he couldn't keep worrying like this. If he is to save Ranulf he's going to need to be at his best. He nodded to show his understanding.
Soren straightened out the map and started make trails in his mind. "I want you to relax. Go and chat with the others and leave this to me. Okay?"
Ike thought about it. "Fine…" he sighed as he stood up. He went to return to the group when Soren stopped him.
"Ike," he said. Ike paused and listened to what Soren had to say. "You've change in some way that I don't know about." Ike flinched. "You seem nervous about something more than just the Laguz safety. I won't ask you what it is, but know that we're here for you if you need to speak your mind."
Ike was amazed by the way Soren knew that something was wrong. He knew that Soren knew something was up, but couldn't lay a finger on how he pin pointed his feelings right on the dot. Ike smiled.
"Thanks, Soren."
--s2--
Ranulf woke up to find sunlight in his eyes. He groaned and rolled over only to run into Takashi. The green cat shifted, but didn't wake up, much to Ranulf's relief. He didn't want the teen to wake up to this cruel and evil place just yet. Sleep was probably the only way to escape the torture besides death, which really isn't an answer for them.
The blue furred cat sat up and stretched. He looked around and saw Zarack sleeping on the couch. Ranulf wondered why he didn't sleep on the bed. There was more than enough room. Takashi seemed to like sleeping all sprawled out, but he was mostly beside Ranulf so there is room for the general.
He got up and walked over to the black haired man. 'How long was he gone for?' Ranulf asked himself. Shrugging he made his way to the bathroom.
Closing the door, Ranulf saw himself in the mirror. He moved closer and took a look at his freshly cut hair. He played with the blue locks by running his fingers through them and thought that it wasn't that bad. It looked as if he was wearing his headband. He thought that they were going to cut it too short as if almost completely gone. Ranulf thanked the goddesses that they didn't.
He ran his finger through his hair once more and felt the ear ring in his ear. He remembered everything that happened the day before with the execution and stared at his reflection. 'How long are we going to be able to live here…?'
--s2--
Meanwhile, Zarack slowly opened his eyes. He rubbed his head and got up to his feet to find Ranulf missing. He gazed over the bathroom door, that was closed, and assumed that he was in there. Takashi, on the other hand, was still asleep. Noticing that where the sun was in the sky out the window, Zarack knew he had to get up.
With a sigh, the general walked over to Takashi and shook him a slight bit. "Takashi, wake up."
Takashi hummed in annoyance, but didn't make a move to assure Zarack he heard him. Zarack shook him again harder and whispered louder. "Takashi, wake up…!"
Takashi jolted. "Huh, what…?"
"Time to wake up," Zarack told him. "If you don't go to them, they will come to you. You don't want that."
"Them…?" Takashi was still pretty much asleep.
"Just get up." Zarack said with a small chuckle.
Ranulf stepped out of the washroom and noticed that everyone was up. He gazed over at Zarack before moving over to him. Zarack saw the cat and met his gaze. Ranulf's face was emotionless and was hard to tell what he was thinking. Zarack was about to say something when Ranulf punched him hard in the jaw.
Zarack, taken aback by the strike, stepped back a few steps while hold his left cheek. He opened his eyes after having them shut tight and looked at the blue cat. Ranulf was in a fighting stance and was ready to hit Zarack again. Zarack knew what he was mad at, but he didn't expect the angered Laguz to come out and hit him like that.
Ranulf huffed. "I hope you know what I hit you for."
"Yes, I do." Zarack responded. "I apologize for that."
"You called us 'Sub-humans'" Ranulf reminded him, just in case. "I know that you're trying to put on a show to throw off the others, but you didn't have to go that far!" Ranulf stressed the word 'far' as he spun around and threw his leg up to kick Zarack in the head. The general stepped back even more as he tried to regain balance.
Takashi jumped up, wakening suddenly, and ran behind Ranulf to hold him back. "Ranulf, what are you doing?"
"No, Takashi." Zarack said. "I deserved that too."
"What…?" Takashi was confused.
"That was for the smack on the head." Ranulf explained.
Zarack stood himself up straight and smirked at Ranulf. "You've gotten stronger from when I last saw you." He complemented as he rubbed at his now growing headache.
"It's been years since then." Ranulf said. "I've gained the title of the Right Hand of Gallia's King."
The Branded seemed shocked. "Are you serious?" Ranulf nodded. "Impressive."
Ranulf chuckled. "It is, isn't it?"
There was an interrupting knock on the door. Everyone inside looked over. Zarack apologized quietly and asked them to bow low like last time. The Laguz did like they were asked and Zarack opened the door. It was Yuuta.
"Hey, Zarack," Yuuta smiled. "I'm here to take your pets so they can learn the rules of this castle; by Master Kinya's orders, of course."
Zarack glared at his step-brother. Yuuta then looked at him oddly. The purple haired man brought up his hand and lightly touched the lest side of the other man's face. Zarack backed off and waved the invading hand away.
"Don't you dare touch me, Yuuta!" Zarack yelled.
"What happened to your face, dear brother?" asked Yuuta, ignoring Zarack's demand. "Don't tell me that disgusting green creature harmed your pretty face." There was a slight bruising where Ranulf had hit him.
"No, he didn't." Zarack told him firmly.
"Then the blue haired one. He seems to have a calm personality, but he could pull a fast one." Yuuta sneered a little at the Laguz.
"No, no, I ran into a door last night." Zarack came up with the fastest thing he could think of hoping it would fool Yuuta. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, it didn't.
Yuuta pushed passed Zarack and marched over to Ranulf. The said Laguz heard the man making his way over to him and tensed up preparing himself for what was to come. Yuuta grabbed Ranulf's hair like he did before and forced him to look up. Ranulf stared at the man not exactly knowing what to expect.
"It was you, wasn't it?" Yuuta asked calmly with a smirk. Ranulf's insides clenched up in fear. His throat went dry and breaths came a little faster than normal.
Zarack went to pull Yuuta away from his old friend but the purple haired man shook him off. "You know you want to see this one suffer for what he did to you." Yuuta told him as his grip tightened on Ranulf. "Why don't you just let me punish him the way he deserves it!"
"He didn't do anything!" Zarack yelled. "And even if he did, I wouldn't want you to be the one to punish him!"
Yuuta chuckled. "You're very bad at lying, little brother." He turned back to Ranulf. "I was listening on the other side of the door before I knocked. I heard everything you three had said."
Zarack stiffened, as did Ranulf and Takashi. 'That's it, we're done for…' Ranulf thought closing his eyes tightly.
"Zarack," Yuuta's voice became serious. "What was with you apologizing to this Sub-human?"
Zarack again thought of something quick. "I never said any such thing."
"Hmm…" Yuuta thought about it. "Maybe I heard wrong, you do have a low voice…
"But that doesn't change the fact that his Sub-human attacked you." Yuuta threw Ranulf to his knees and pulled out a chain from one of the many pockets he had on his leather pants. He hooked the chain on the back of Ranulf's color and tugged the chain up so the Laguz would be forced to stand.
Yuuta called for Yuki and the small, female Laguz stepped inside. "Take this one to the training room." He pushed Takashi towards Yuki. "And make sure he gets there."
Yuki bowed for a moment. She then took Takashi's hand and quickly walked out. She and Takashi both prayed for Ranulf's safety.
"Now," Yuuta handed the chain to Zarack. "You two will follow me. You, little brother, need to learn how to discipline your pets, and you," Yuuta tugged on the chain, choking Ranulf, "need to learn your place."
Zarack took the chain from Yuuta so couldn't harm Ranulf. "I'll deal with his myself, Yuuta." He walked out of his room with Ranulf. Yuuta smiled and followed behind.
"I want to make sure that you do."
--s2--
Yuuta pushed Ranulf up against a wall in another room that was filled with screaming Laguz. The blue haired cat wanted to struggle out of the taller man's grip and run for his life, but he knew that he would only get caught again. No matter what he did there was no hope for escape from this particular room for there where fire mages at every corner and two more at the entrance way. The only thing he could do was take what ever was given to him.
The purple haired Beorc tied Ranulf's chain through a ring on the wall. When he stepped back the only move Ranulf could make, without strangling him self, was placing his arms and hands on the cold stone wall.
There was a load snapping along with a cry of pure agony coming from the Ranulf's right. When he looked over he saw a hawk Laguz tied up the same way as he was getting whipped. One last lash came down and the hawk closed his eyes before passing out. A wind mage untied the chain allowed the bird Laguz to fall to the ground.
Ranulf held back a gasp when he saw the blood on the Laguz's back and wings. He couldn't tell how many times he had been hit with that whip because of all the blood that hid the scars. Ranulf took a careful look at his wings and noticed that they where clipped. He can't fly anymore.
The hawk was picked up and dragged out of the room. Soon enough a raven Laguz took his place. Ranulf heard Zarack arguing with Yuuta and took the chance to ask a few questions.
"What is this place?" Ranulf whispered to the raven.
The raven huffed. "It's a torture chamber." He whispered back a bit out of breath. "I take it that you're new here." Ranulf nodded slowly.
"How long has this been going on?" The cat asked.
"You don't know?" The raven looked at him oddly.
"I've been out of the country."
"Ah, well, three weeks. Three weeks and already it has gotten this bad. I've been counting the amount of deaths in the executions. Eighty-seven… there has been eighty-seven executions and I've been here ever since the first attack on our tribes. There were only twenty-two of us then, but as you can see, that changed quickly."
"Have there been other deaths? Besides the ones at the executions…"
"Yes, but I don't know how many."
Ranulf paused. He wondered how many Laguz have died in this Hell. "What about you?"
"Me…? What are you talking about?"
"What have they done to you?"
The raven laughed. "You don't want to know. I've been through just about every sort of torture there is." He looked at Ranulf. "You'll see for yourself soon enough. Some of these monsters aren't fully pleased with just cries of pain."
The raven jolted suddenly when the whip came down on his back. Three more came down, but the raven never let out a sound. It wasn't long after when Ranulf felt a whip on his back.
"AH!!!" Ranulf cried out. He wasn't ready for that. Another came down and Ranulf bit his lip to stop himself from screaming. The two Laguz where whisked for five minutes straight before being taken off the wall.
Ranulf and the raven panted softly trying to focus of something else rather then the pain. Stone flooring never seemed so interesting before this day, nor did the dust that covered it. Ranulf sighed as he was lifted up and carried out of the evil room. When he looked up he saw Zarack. He was glad it wasn't Yuuta. For now he was safe.
Once they were out of ear shot of anyone Zarack spoke. "I… I'm sorry that I had to do that to you. I feel awful…"
"No," Ranulf said. "Don't be sorry, it wasn't your fault." The cat blinked. "Put me down, I can walk. Besides, I'm probably getting blood all over you."
"You are not bleeding." Zarack told him. "I made sure to use a whip that wouldn't scar your skin. It was the least I could do to help you."
Ranulf was quiet for a few seconds. "Thanks…"
Zarack walked along the castle halls until he heard people talking. He placed Ranulf on his feet and told him to stay close behind. Ranulf agreed and did so as they made their way pass the other Begnion soldiers. Ranulf saw them sneer at him and heard them whisper 'filthy Sub-human' to each other. The cat kept his eyes low, not wanting to make eye contact.
They finally got through and Zarack explained the rules that Ranulf was to obey if he was to get out alive. Ranulf listened carefully repeating some things back to make sure he got them right.
"Takashi has already heard these rules. Make sure he doesn't get into trouble, all right?" Zarack finished.
"Don't worry; I'm sure he won't attack anyone like before." Ranulf smiled. The pain on his back had gone numb and tingly, but he knew it will go away sooner or later.
Zarack huffed. "You certainly can surprise people with that mischievous smile of yours. You have gone through nothing but pain and suffering here, yet you still smile."
Ranulf's smile widened. "It's who I am. You gain nothing from being depressed."
"I guess you are right." Zarack nodded.
The general turned to the door behind him. "This is one of the kitchens. You will be with the group behind this door. Takashi's here too. Last night I made sure that you two where put together."
Ranulf thanked him. "Uh… how are we getting back to your room?"
"The guards know where everyone… 'Belongs'... They will lead you to my room. Unfortunately, I will not be there. I have a night shift tonight as well. Lock the door and don't answer it to anyone."
The cat rolled his eyes. "You're making me feel like a kitten again, Zarack."
"Ranulf… seriously…"
"Alright."
They nodded in agreement and Zarack opened the door to the kitchen. A guard came out questioning their business.
"This one is late because of some loyalty issues." Zarack told him. The guard stared at Ranulf for a moment and then nudged his head to tell the Laguz to come in. As Ranulf did so, Zarack gave another whisper of an apology for being harsh on his words.
The door was closed and the guard shoved a scrub brush and a bucket of soapy water. "You'll be cleaning this kitchen with the rest of your group today." He told the cat. "Now hop to it!" Ranulf bowed low as Zarack told him to and went to work with no further comments.
--s2--
Ike and the new army made to rescue the kidnapped Laguz where flying over to forest to the Miscere River. Soren said it would be the fastest way to get to Syene and everyone believes Soren's choice is the best. So there they were, flying on the raven and hawk's backs again. But this time, no one said a word.
Sothe stared at Ike, who was on Tibarn again, from Naesala's back. The two birds flew side by side making it easier to see Ike's face. He was in the middle of Mist and Zihark; Soren decided to ride with the raven that brought Zihark over the caves. Something that Sothe notice was that Ike had his eyes facing the ground below the whole time.
Sothe gave Micaiah, who was sitting in front of him behind Edward, a gentle nudge to get her attention. She looked back at him and hummed in question. "Doesn't Ike look odd to you?" The thief asked.
Micaiah gazed over at Ike. "Yeah, I've been wondering what's wrong for a while now. He had that look ever since after the race." She paused for a second. "I'm worried about him."
"What do you think we should do?" Sothe ran his fingers through Micaiah's silver hair. "I've never seen him so depressed. He's always been so strong even in the Mad King's War."
"Talk to him." Micaiah said simply. "When we land, you should go talk to him."
"What…? Why me?" Sothe questioned.
"You know him better that we do." Edward answered coming into the conversation.
Sothe crossed his arms. "I don't know what I would say to him." He told them. "I'm not good with making people feel better stuff."
Micaiah smiled at her husband. "Just ask him what's wrong and if he doesn't want to tell you then that's fine. Let him though that you're there when he does want someone to talk to though. If he does tell you, all you need to do is listen and say whatever comes to mind that may help him."
Sothe glanced over at Ike again. "I guess I could do that… But what if I don't know what can help him?"
"Then think up a solution together." Micaiah answered still smiling. "You'll do fine, Sothe, and I'm sure you'll be able to help Ike."
--s2--
They flew through the sky all day until night fall. The air became cold for spring had only begun. Winter had still left behind some of its snow on the forest floor. It was peaceful at night with only a few animals calling to one another. Camp was set up and an owl hooted at the people below as they started some fires up.
The moon was almost full. Stars came out to light up the sky above the trees and only visible to the ones underneath in a couple places. Some had gone to bed already, but others wanted to stay up and catch up on good times. Sothe believed that this was the best time to go talk to Ike. However, Ike was no where to be found.
Sothe notice that Soren, Tibarn, Naesala and Leonardo were all sitting by one of the fires. The thief knew that one of them had to know where Ike had gone to. As he walked up to them Sothe wondered what he would say to Ike when he did find him.
"Hey," Sothe called. Soren looked up at him as did Leonardo. Tibarn and Naesala where fighting again about some unknown reason.
"You're looking for Ike, aren't you?" Soren asked.
Sothe was taken aback by how Soren knew what he was doing. "Are you sure that you're not some kind of fortune teller yourself?" Soren smiled at that. "Yes, I am looking for Ike. Have you seen him?"
Soren shook his head. Leonardo looked around to see if he could spot him from where he was. Sothe sighed. "Where did he run off to…?"
"He has to be in the camp somewhere." Soren told him. "Ike's not the one to go off alone during times like this."
"Wait, there he is!" Leonardo pointed to the east. Ike was wandering around the edge of the campsite. He passed a tent and was again out of sight.
Sothe started running in that direction. "Thanks." He said as he passed Leonardo.
The thief rounded the tent that Ike disappeared behind and found the mercenary leaning on a tree staring off into the distance. Sothe took a deep breath and held it as he marched over to the blue haired warrior.
Sothe released his breath quickly. "I-Ike…?"
Ike looked back at who was calling him. "Oh, hey, Sothe." He turned to his original position.
Sothe clenched and unclenched his hands. "Um… are you okay…?"
Ike notice Sothe's nervousness. "Yeah, I'm okay. Are you?" He turned again and leaned his back against the tree. Sothe nodded quickly. "You don't seem like it."
"I-I could say the same to you." Sothe told him.
Ike hummed. "Tell me what's bugging you and maybe I'll tell you what's bugging me."
Sothe lowered his head and thought about it. It was a good deal actually. Sothe agreed. "Fine… I'm… just afraid- no… uh…" He looked up slowly and saw Ike staring at him oddly. "Eh… It's nothing really! Something that I should be over by now!" Sothe crossed his arms.
Ike smirked a bit. "If your problem is nothing, then so is mine."
Sothe's golden eyes meet Ike's sapphire ones. They were almost daring each other to tell the other what they were thinking. Sothe broke easily. "EH! It's just…!" He calmed down. "Back during the Mad King's War… when you found me on your ship to Begnion…"
"What about it?" Ike questioned.
"You…" Sothe paused. "You didn't throw me off the ship…"
Ike laughed. "Why would I throw you off the ship?"
"Well… you seem to be thinking about it when he saw me being dragged towards you by Nasir…" Sothe looked away from Ike's gaze feeling uncomfortable like he was back then. "B-but then afterwards… I started to see you as a role model… You were so much stronger than I was! Even today I still highly respect you, and speaking to you seems… awkward… as if I don't have the right to talk to the person I owe my life to."
There was a small silence between the two. Ike then smiled and placed his hand on Sothe's head. "You like to think far into things, don't you?" Sothe looked up at him in wonder. "You're my equal, Sothe. Don't believe that I'm a higher rank than you. 'Kay?"
Sothe blinked a few times. "O-okay…"
Ike chuckled and removed his hand. "You're my friend, and I hope you can see me as your friend too." Sothe was slightly confused by Ike's words. He soon smiled like Ike was and nodded. Ike was shocked. "Gasp! He has the ability to smile!"
"Shut up…" Sothe's smile vanished.
Ike laughed again. "There we go, talking like everyday friends."
Sothe's smile rose back up a tiny bit. It didn't last long though. "It's your turn now. What's bothering you?"
Ike stared out in the distance in the east again. "It's complicated, Sothe."
"It can't be that bad." Sothe said.
Ike stared at him. "It is… I don't even know if I should tell you. We agreed that we wouldn't tell anyone until-" Ike stopped noticing that he said too much.
"We…?" Sothe asked. "Ike, who else knows about your secret?"
"…" Ike was quiet. He didn't know what to say next. He then sighed. "If I'm to tell you we have to leave the camp." With that Ike left the camp and into the forest.
Sothe was left behind questioning himself if he should follow. Without a word he walked into the forest after Ike.
Ike lead Sothe to an opening in the forest that was far enough from the camp for Ike's comfort, but close enough that they could still see the camp fires. Ike sat down and leaned up against a tree again. He told Sothe that he may want to sit down; Sothe took the offer.
Ike didn't say anything for a few moments. He startled Sothe when he spoke. "You have to promise not to tell anyone. Not a word." His voice was calm, but Sothe could tell that he was struggling.
"Alright, not a word to anyone." Sothe repeated Ike's words to show his understanding.
Ike stared at him. "Not even to Micaiah, Sothe."
Sothe wondered why this was so important to Ike for no one to know about it. He decided that it couldn't hurt to ask Ike why. When he did though, Ike looked away towards the east again.
"I wouldn't even be telling you if I was able to hold this in." Ike said softly. "I need to have someone know about it, or else I'm going to go insane." Ike looked back at Sothe. "You just have to promise me that you won't tell anyone about it. Everything you hear from me never leaves your mouth."
Sothe saw the seriousness in Ike's eyes. "I promise." He said truthfully.
The blue haired warrior stood up and faced Sothe. "…It's about Ranulf." He started. "I'm worried about him."
The thief lowered his head in shame. "Sorry… I'm the reason why he was taken by the Begnion army."
"No, it's alright." Ike said. "You were angry; I would have done the same. But…" He paused. "I'm worried… more than a friend would be. Ranulf and I…" Sothe stared at Ike completely clueless as to what Ike was about to confess. "We… are… together…"
Sothe tilted his head to the side. "Together…? I don't get it… sorry."
Ike scratched his head in frustration. "Uh! We're together! You know… we…"
It was then the thief realised what Ike was trying to say. "You guys… love each other…?" Ike spun around so his back was facing Sothe and nodded. Sothe was speechless. He didn't know what to think or say. He started asking himself what Micaiah would say to something like this.
Ike's eyes narrowed as he faced Sothe again. "You think this is horrible don't you. I bet you're thinking that we're freaks."
Sothe got to his feet and placed his hands on Ike's shoulders. "No, I don't! It's not like that at all." Sothe had no idea what he was saying. Whatever came to his mind was coming out of his mouth. "Actually, I think it's great that you have each other." Sothe wondered if he ever said anything like this before; it's unlike him.
"You do…?" Ike was surprised. "Eh, but it's forbidden in so many ways! For one, I'm Beorc and he's Laguz. Two, we're both male! It's not meant to work."
Sothe thought about it. "I don't know how to help you, Ike."
Ike sighed. "I didn't think you would. There isn't a way to solve this."
"What I do know," Sothe got Ike's attention. "We can save the Laguz including Ranulf. That's what matters now, right?"
Ike stared at Sothe blankly. He then smiled. "Right."
"Let's worry about those problems later and only think about one thing at a time."
"Alright, thank you, Sothe."
"No problem."
The two started their way back to camp in a bit of a hurry. The others would be looking for them before they went off to bed themselves. Hopefully they didn't cause anyone to start worrying.
"Ah, Ike?" Sothe called while they ran towards the camp.
"Hmm?" Ike hummed to tell Sothe he was listening.
"Could you not tell Micaiah or anyone else… how apologetic and weak I've been here?"
Ike chuckled. "Why not? You're calmer state is a nice side for you."
Sothe huffed. "No it's not…"
"Alright, then…" Ike said with a mocking disappointment.
The two friends made it back to camp to find Micaiah and Soren searching for them. When Micaiah saw them she smiled and ran over to meet with them. Soren soon found Micaiah with Sothe and Ike and followed.
"We've been looking for you everywhere." Micaiah told them.
"Yeah, where have you two been?" Soren asked.
Ike shrugged. "Around." He then yawned. "I'm going to bed, night." He then casually strolled away.
"We should get some sleep too, Micaiah." Sothe said. He took hold of her hand and started to head for their tent. "Night, Soren."
"Good-night, Soren!"
Soren stood where he was. "Okay, then…?"
--s2--
Ranulf and Takashi were lead to Zarack's room and left alone for the night. Ranulf did what Zarack told him and locked the door once it was closed and he knew that the guard had made his leave. It was late and the two Laguz were tired knowing that they had to do the same thing all over again.
Takashi fell on the bed and got under the covers. He curled up like a kitten Laguz would and hugged onto his pillow. "Ranulf…" he whispered.
"Yeah…?" Ranulf whispered back.
"Where do you think Yuki was…?" Takashi blushed as he asked the question. "If girls are separated from the guys, where do you think she would have been?"
Ranulf saw Takashi's concern. When they were in the kitchens, they met up with that Laguz tiger that Ranulf had met in the steam room. He told them that females where assigned to other jobs such as laundry, the baths, as well as entertainment, that included disgusting things that Ranulf never wanted to repeat. He knew what that raven was talking about. Now, he too wanted to know where Yuki had been all day.
"I'm sure she was doing some laundry today, Takashi." Ranulf told him to comfort him. "I think I saw her walking with some clothes earlier before I came to the kitchens." Takashi seemed to calm down.
Sure it was a lie. Ranulf knew that and felt a little bad about it. In truth he had no idea where she was, but Takashi needs to think otherwise right now. Ranulf notice the way he looks at Yuki when she's around and Yuki seems to give the same expression. If only they weren't in a horrible place then those two would be able to get together like a normal relationship.
Ranulf got into bed beside Takashi. "Don't worry about it, Takashi. I'm sure she'll be fine." He lay down on the pillows and fell into the warmth and safety they blankets gave him. "Go to sleep, you'll need some strength tomorrow."
Takashi murmured "okay" and snuggled closer to the mattress below him. Ranulf smiled at the sight. Takashi was still young and had that kitten look to him. So peaceful and innocent.
Ranulf sighed and stared up at the ceiling. After the silence of the night came, Ranulf's mind wandered off to what Ike would be doing now. 'Sleeping… it's late so he shouldn't be up.' Ranulf rolled on his side and looked out the window. 'Where are you though… hopefully no where Begnion can get you...''
Ranulf closed his eyes. 'Stay safe, my thick headed warrior…' With that last thought, Ranulf fell asleep and into an uneasy dream.
--s2--
HA! I did it! I beat the record! YAY! Thank you again Kai the Tiger Princess for the information on Sothe and Ike in Path of Radiance! Really needed it! I looked some more into the chapter after looking for like an hour… meh… REVIEW!!!! I LOVE REVIEWS! I FEED ON THEM!!! PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!?????!!!!!!!!